In January, Michael Saunders parlayed a terrific half-season for the Blue Jays last year into a $9-million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. A little more than five months later, he was drummed out of the big leagues, his batting line a statistical albatross.

To wit: .205/.257/.360.

“I didn’t play good enough, period,” Saunders understated. “You’ve got to produce on a daily basis. It was a tough year for me and (the Phillies) chose to move on and bring in the next group of young outfielders.”

Five days after his release, the Blue Jays signed Saunders to a minor-league contract. He came to triple-A Buffalo with big-league dreams. And he was in a hurry.

Over his first 13 games, he went 6-for-50, generating a slash line of.120/.228/.140.

And then, he says, he paused and took stock. A conversation with his wife helped.

“I think it was more of a mental change, and just understanding that I...